Automated end fitting installation system and method

ABSTRACT

Sucker rods include end fittings having an outer wedge portion proximate to an open end, an inner wedge portion proximate to a closed end, and an intermediate wedge portion between the outer and inner wedges. Each wedge includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an angle between the leading and trailing edges. The triangular configuration, length of the leading edge, the length of the trailing edge, and size of the angle in each wedge portion cause distribution of force, such that compressive forces distributed to the rod proximate the closed end exceed compressive forces distributed to the rod proximate the open end. An automated installation procedure installs the end fitting through the use of multiple chucks, positioned by servo motors along a fitting table.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application, claimingpriority to the co-pending United States application having Ser. No.14/936,420, filed 9 Nov. 2015, which in turn is a continuation-in-partapplication claiming priority to the US application having Ser. No.13/385,410, filed Feb. 17, 2012, which in turn is a continuation-in-partapplication claiming priority to the US application having the Ser. No.13/136,715, filed Aug. 9, 2011. The above references are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

FIELD

Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure relate,generally, to secondary recovery systems and methods for use withhydrocarbon and other types of wells, and more specifically, toconnectors (e.g., end fittings) and methods usable to manufacture andinstall end fittings for strings of sucker rods made from fiberglass.

BACKGROUND

When production from a hydrocarbon well attainable through natural means(e.g., pressure within the wellbore) is no longer sufficient for thewell to remain economically viable, numerous types of secondary recoverymethods exist to increase the productivity of the well. One such methodincludes use of a downhole pump that is inserted into the wellbore, thenactuated to draw hydrocarbons and/or other fluids toward the surface.Conventionally, downhole pumps are actuated by physically manipulatingvalues and/or other operable parts from the surface, through movement ofa pump jack or similar powered device, that is connected to the downholepump using a long string of joined connectors, termed “sucker rods.”

Conventional sucker rod strings are formed from lengths of steel rod,having threaded connectors at each end for engaging adjacent segments ofrod, to form a string of sufficient length to connect a pump jack to adown hole pump. Because steel is heavy, expensive, and suffers fromother inherent difficulties, alternative types of sucker rod materialshave been explored, such as fiberglass. Fiberglass offers an equivalentor greater tensile strength than steel, while being both lighter andless costly, enabling a string of fiberglass sucker rods to bereciprocated using less energy and smaller equipment. Fiberglass rodsalso possess the ability to stretch in an axial direction, such thateach stroke of a pump jack can be assisted by the natural expansion andcontraction of the sucker rod string, allowing for shorter and moreenergy efficient strokes.

The ends of fiberglass rod segments used in a sucker rod string can beconnected by use of threaded end connectors or end fittings, typicallymade from steel. An epoxy or other suitable resin can be introduced intothe end fitting for bonding to and between the exterior of thefiberglass rod segment and interior of the end fitting. By providingepoxy or other resin into the interior of an end fitting, the epoxy orother resin when cured bonds to the fiberglass rod segment, whilefilling the interior cavity of the end fitting. The cured epoxy or otherresin (“resin material”) prevents removal or displacement of the rodfrom the end fitting during use.

SUMMARY

Embodiments according to this disclosure address problems encounteredwhen manufacturing and using fiberglass or similar fiber composite rodsegments (“rod segment”) engaged with end connectors (“end fittings”) insucker rod strings, including, but not limited to, aspects regarding themanner of distribution of forces that result from the reciprocation andpumping operation. An aspect of this disclosure is the observation that,as the sucker rod string is reciprocated, tensile forces or pullingforces, compression forces, or other forces (“forces”) exerted duringuse between each rod segment, the engaged end fittings, and the resinmaterial contribute to migration of protruding sections of resinmaterial toward narrower portions of the interior of the end fittings,exerting compressive force on the rod segment at what can becharacterized as a single point or location along the rod segment. Asused here, “point” means a location, portion or peripheral area of therod segment indicated by reference to the longitudinal axis of the rodor end fitting. Compressive forces in excess of the tolerance of the rodsegment at any point can cause the rod to break, severing the sucker rodstring and requiring time-consuming and expensive remedial operations(e.g., fishing) to retrieve the severed string and the downhole pump.This severing (e.g., “pinching”) of a rod segment normally occurs at ornear the point at which the rod segment meets the end fitting.

According to embodiments of this disclosure, the specific shape,configuration and geometry of the interior of end fittings,corresponding shape, configuration and geometry of the cured epoxy orsimilar resin (“resin material”), and relationship and interactionsbetween the end fitting and resin material, and between the resinmaterial and rod segment, are selected and configured to limit theamount of compressive force applied to the rod segment at any singlepoint or location, e.g., by receiving and/or distributing compressiveforces at multiple points along the length of the rod segment. Theinternal features necessary to prevent destruction of the sucker rodstring during use limit the dimensions, materials, and manufacturingtechniques usable to form suitable end fittings and assemblies of endfittings with rod segments (“sucker rod assemblies”). An aspect of thisdisclosure is that embodiments provide sucker rod strings, end fittings,and sucker rod assemblies having improved load capacity and durability,reduced weight and improved strength characteristics, and complying withthe afore-mentioned limitations on internal features, dimensions,materials and manufacturing techniques.

Need exists for end fittings, sucker rods, sucker rod assemblies,systems, sucker rod strings and methods that provide improved capabilityto withstand and compensate for the forces applied to a sucker rodstring during reciprocation thereof in a variety of ways, with improveddurability over long periods of service, and improved strength andweight characteristics to enable reduced energy consumption, usingmultiple combinations of structural features. An aspect of thisdisclosure is that embodiments provide methods for production ofpetroleum from wells, by pumping, which are of improved energyefficiency, energy consumption, reliability and durability.

Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure meet theabove-referenced and other needs.

Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure includesucker rod assemblies having end fittings, resin material and rodsegments (e.g., fiberglass and/or fiber composite rods) assembled inpermanent relationship. The end fitting includes a body having aninterior, a closed end, an open end, and a cavity defined by theinterior. A wedge system is formed in the interior. In one embodiment,the wedge system includes an outer wedge portion (“outer wedge portion”)formed in the interior proximate the open end, an inner wedge-shapedportion (“inner wedge portion”) formed in the interior proximate theclose end, and an intermediate wedge-shaped portion (“intermediate wedgeportion”) formed in the interior between the outer wedge and innerwedge. The outer wedge portion has a first leading edge, a firsttrailing edge, and a first angle between the first leading and trailingedges. The length of the first leading edge, the length of the firsttrailing edge, and the size of the first angle define a firstdistribution of force in the outer wedge portion. The intermediate wedgeportion has a second leading edge, a second trailing edge, and a secondangle between the second leading edge and the second trailing edge. Thelength of the second leading edge, the length of the second trailingedge, and the size of the second angle define a second distribution offorce in the intermediate wedge portion. The inner wedge portion has athird leading edge, a third trailing edge, and a third angle between thethird leading edge and the third trailing edge. The length of the thirdleading edge, the length of the third trailing edge, and the size of thethird angle define a third distribution of force in the inner wedgeportion.

In embodiments, the first leading edge, second leading edge, and thirdleading edge each differ in length, such that during use andreciprocation of the sucker rod assembly forces are distributed by theouter wedge portion, intermediate wedge portion and inner wedge portionso that a compressive load applied to the inner wedge portion is greaterthan a compressive load applied to the intermediate wedge portion, andthe compressive load applied to the intermediate wedge portion isgreater than a compressive load applied to the outer wedge portion, andalso such that compressive forces distributed to the rod segment at theclosed end of the body exceed those distributed to the rod segment atthe open end of the body. One of skill will understand that the outerwedge portion, intermediate wedge portion and inner wedge portion can beconsidered in combination as defining a “force distribution profile” ofthe end fitting with respect to the resin material and, ultimately, withrespect to the rod segment installed therein. According to embodiments,the lengths of the respective leading edges of the outer, intermediateand inner wedge portions can, of themselves, provide the end fittingwith a force distribution profile in which the compressive load at theouter wedge portion exceeds that at the intermediate wedge portion, andin which compressive load at the intermediate wedge portion exceeds thatat the inner wedge portion. In various embodiments, the leading edgescan be sized and/or arranged in a configuration that, considered alone,does not provide such a force distribution, and the trailing edgesand/or the sizes of the angles can be sized and/or arranged inrespective configurations in each of the outer, intermediate and innerwedge portion to provide or contribute to the desired force distributionprofile of the end fitting.

As such, in an embodiment, the first, second, and third angles candiffer in size, such that the compressive load applied to the innerwedge portion is greater than the compressive load applied to theintermediate wedge portion, and the compressive load applied to theintermediate wedge portion is greater than the compressive load appliedto the outer wedge portion, to enable compressive forces at the closedend of the body to exceed those at the open end of the body. While thesizes of the angles can, themselves, provide the end fitting with aforce distribution in which the compressive load at the outer wedgeportion exceeds that at the inner wedge portion, in various embodiments,the angles can be sized and/or arranged in a manner that may notnecessary provide such a force distribution, while the lengths andarrangement of the leading and/or trailing edges could provide thisforce distribution.

In an embodiment, the lengths of the first, second, and third trailingedges can differ, such that the compressive load applied to the innerwedge portion is greater than the compressive load applied to theintermediate wedge portion, and the compressive load applied to theintermediate wedge portion is greater than the compressive load appliedto the outer wedge portion, to enable compressive forces at the closedend of the body to exceed those at the open end of the body. While thelengths of the trailing edges can, themselves, provide the end fittingwith a force distribution in which the compressive load at the outerwedge portion exceeds that at the inner wedge portion, in variousembodiments, the trailing edges can be sized and/or arranged in a mannerthat may not necessary provide such a force distribution, while thelengths and arrangement of the leading edges and/or the sizes of theangles in each wedge portion could provide this force distribution.

As such, each wedge portion has a force distribution determined by thecombination of the respective leading edge length, trailing edge length,and angle size of that wedge portion, and any combination of leadingedge lengths, trailing edge lengths, or angles can be selected, toprovide the end fitting with desired dimensions, materialcharacteristics, and the desired distribution of forces.

Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure includeend fittings having a body with an interior, a closed end, and an openend, with a first wedge portion formed in the interior and a secondwedge portion formed in the interior between the first wedge portion andthe closed end. The first wedge portion includes a first leading edge, afirst trailing edge, and a first angle between the first leading edgeand the first trailing edge. The length of the first leading edge, thelength of the first trailing edge, and the size of the first angledefine a first distribution of force in the first wedge portion. Thesecond wedge portion includes a second leading edge, a second trailingedge, and a second angle between the second leading edge and the secondtrailing edge. The length of the second leading edge, the length of thesecond trailing edge, and the size of the second angle define a seconddistribution of force in the second wedge portion. The firstdistribution of force and the second distribution of force vary suchthat a compressive load applied to the second wedge portion is greaterthan a compressive load applied to the first wedge portion, andcompressive forces at the closed end of the body exceed compressiveforces at the open end of the body.

In an embodiment, such a distribution of forces can be achieved throughproviding the first leading edge and the second leading edge withdiffering lengths. In such an embodiment, the length of the first andsecond trailing edges can be equal and the sizes of the first and secondangles can be equal. Alternatively, the trailing edges could differ inlength, the angles could differ in size, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the distribution of forces can be achieved throughproviding the first trailing edge and the second trailing edge withdiffering lengths. In such an embodiment, the length of the first andsecond leading edges could be equal and the sizes of the first andsecond angles can be equal. Alternatively, the leading edges coulddiffer in length, the angles could differ in size, or combinationsthereof. In a further embodiment, the ratio of the length of the leadingedge to that of the trailing edge, for each respective wedge portion,can determine the amount of compressive force received by that wedgeportion.

In an embodiment, the distribution of forces can be achieved throughproviding the first angle and the second angle with differing sizes. Insuch an embodiment, the length of the first and second leading edges canbe equal and the length of the first and second trailing edges can beequal. Alternatively, the leading edges can be of different lengths, thetrailing edges can be of different lengths, or combinations thereof.

Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure includeend fittings having a body with an interior, and a wedge system formedin the interior. The wedge system can include an outer wedge portionformed in the interior proximate to the open end, an intermediate wedgeportion formed in the interior between the outer wedge portion and theclosed end, and an inner wedge portion formed in the interior betweenthe intermediate wedge portion and the closed end, proximate to theclosed end. The outer wedge portion includes a first leading edge, afirst trailing edge, and a first angle between the first leading andtrailing edges. The length of the first leading and trailing edges andthe size of the first angle define a distribution of force in the outerwedge portion. The intermediate wedge portion includes a second leadingedge, a second trailing edge, and a second angle between the secondleading and trailing edges. The length of the second leading andtrailing edges and the size of the second angle define a distribution offorce in the intermediate wedge portion. The inner wedge portionincludes a third leading edge, a third trailing edge, and a third anglebetween the third leading and trailing edges. The length of the thirdleading and trailing edges and the size of the third angle define adistribution of force in the inner wedge portion.

The distribution of force in each wedge portion varies, such that thecompressive load applied to the inner wedge portion is greater than thecompressive load applied to the intermediate wedge portion, and thecompressive load applied to the intermediate wedge portion is greaterthan the compressive load applied to the outer wedge portion, enablingcompressive forces at the closed end of the body exceed compressiveforces at the open end of the body.

As described above, any of the leading edges or trailing edges couldvary in length, and the angles between the edges could vary in size,depending on the desired dimensions, structural characteristics, andforce distribution in the end fitting. For example, the first leadingedge can be longer than the second leading edge, which can be longerthan the third; the first and second leading edges could be equal inlength while the third is shorter, or longer; the third leading edge canbe longer than the second leading edge, which can be longer than thefirst; the second and third leading edges can be generally equal inlength, while the first is shorter, or longer; all three leading edgescould be equal in length; the first leading edge can be longer than thethird, which is longer than the second; the third leading edge can belonger than the first, which is longer than the second; the thirdleading edge can be shorter than the first, which is shorter than thesecond; the first leading edge can be shorter than the third, which isshorter than the second; or the first and third leading edges can beequal in length, while the second is shorter, or longer.

In a similar manner, any of the above configurations could be presentwith regard to the length of the trailing edges and/or the size of theangles between the leading and trailing edges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of thedisclosure and together with the general description of the disclosureand the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below,serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an end fittingusable within the scope of the present disclosure engaged with a segmentof a sucker rod.

FIG. 2 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.

FIG. 3 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.

FIG. 4 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.

FIG. 5 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.

FIG. 6 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.

FIG. 7 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.

FIG. 8 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.

FIG. 9 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.

FIG. 10 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.

FIG. 11 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.

FIG. 12 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a pumping system usable within the scopeof the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a schematic flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a methodof artificial lift of liquid that is usable within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a schematic flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a methodof manufacture usable to install end fittings within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly systemusable with the method of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIGS. 18A-18C are isolated side views of embodiments of guide stands foruse with the embodiment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is an overhead view of an embodiment of a layout of thecomponents shown in FIGS. 16 and 18A-18C.

The depicted embodiments of sucker rods, sucker rod assemblies, endfittings for sucker rods, production wells, methods and subject matterare described below with reference to the listed Figures.

The above general description and the following detailed description aremerely illustrative of the generic disclosure, and additional modes,advantages, and particulars of this disclosure will be readily suggestedto those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scopeof the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 depicts a diagrammatic cross sectional view of an embodiment ofan end fitting (10) usable within the scope of the present disclosure,having an end of a segment of a sucker rod (32) engaged therein. Itshould be understood that the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is merely anillustrative, diagrammatic view of one possible configuration andarrangement of components, and, as described above, the specificdimensions and arrangement of portions of the end fitting (10), mostnotably the configuration of the wedge system depicted in the interiorthereof, can be varied without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The end fitting (10) has a body (12) (e.g., a generally tubular,cylindrical body), with threads (14) at one end thereof for engaging anadjacent object (e.g., a connector engaged with a subsequent section ofa sucker rod string). The depicted end fitting (10) includes an open end(16), through which the sucker rod segment (32) can be engaged, and aclosed end (18) opposite the open end (16). Body (12) between the closedend (18) and open end (16) is generally hollow, having an interiorsurface defining a cavity for receiving the sucker rod segment (32). Theinterior of body (12) includes a wedge system (13). Wedge system (13)includes an outer wedge (20), an intermediate wedge (22), and an innerwedge (24). It will be understood that a suitable securing material(“resin material”), such as a suitable cured epoxy or other resin, ispresent in the cavity between sucker rod segment (32) and the interiorsurface of end fitting (10) and fixedly secures the sucker rod segment(32) in end fitting (10).

Each of the outer wedge (20), intermediate wedge (22), and inner wedge(24) viewed in cross-section has a respective triangular configurationand includes, generally, a leading edge positioned closer to the openend (16), a trailing edge positioned closer to the closed end (18), andan angle between the leading and trailing edges. Specifically, the outerwedge (20) is shown having a first leading edge (26A), a first trailingedge (28A), and a first angle (30A); the intermediate wedge (22) isshown having a second leading edge (26B), a second trailing edge (28B),and a second angle (30B); and the inner wedge (24) is shown having athird leading edge (26C), a third trailing edge (28C), and a third angle(30C). In an embodiment, one or more of the angles can be obtuse. Asused herein, “obtuse” means an angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

During use, the sucker rod segment (32) can be secured within the endfitting (10) by providing resin material (e.g., epoxy, resin, etc.) intothe interior thereof. In addition to bonding to the sucker rod segment(32), the adhesive/epoxy/resin fills respective portions of the cavityat each of the wedge regions (20, 22, 24), thus forming respectiveprotruding wedge sections (“protruding wedges” 29A, 29B, 29C) of resinmaterial that extend from the sucker rod segment (32). As the sucker rodis reciprocated in a wellbore, the sucker rod segment (32) willalternatingly experience an axial, tensile force in the direction of theopen end (16) (e.g., tending to pull the sucker rod segment (32) fromthe end fitting (10)), and an axial compressive force in the directionof the closed end (18) (e.g., tending to push the sucker rod segment(32) against the closed end (18)).

When subjected to a force in the direction of the open end (16), contactbetween the protruding wedges (29A, 29B, 29C) of resin materialextending from the sucker rod segment (32) and the leading edges (26C,26B, 26A) will distribute compressive forceto the sucker rod segment(32) at each of the respective wedge portions (24, 22, 20). Whensubjected to a force in the direction of the closed end (18), contactbetween the protruding wedges (29A, 29B, 29C) of resin materialextending from the sucker rod segment (32) and the trailing edges (28C,28B, 28A) will distribute compressive force to the sucker rod segment(32) at each of the respective wedge portions (24, 22, 20). The amountof each compressive force applied to each respective wedge portion (20,22, 24) can vary depending on the length of the leading edge (26A, 26B,26C), or trailing edge (28A, 28B, 28C) against which the protrudingwedge of cured epoxy/resin material is urged by the axial force fromreciprocation of the sucker rod string. The size of the angles (30A,30B, 30C) influences the angle at which each of the edges (26A, 28A,26B, 28B, 26C, 28C) extends relative to the corresponding protrudingwedge (29A, 29B, 29C) of resin material and therefore also influencesthe force applied to each wedge portion (20, 22, 24).

FIG. 2 depicts a diagrammatic cross sectional view of an embodiment ofan end fitting (40) usable within the scope of the present disclosure,having an end of a segment of a sucker rod (60) engaged therein. Itshould be understood that the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is illustrativeone possible configuration and arrangement of components, as describedabove. End fitting (40) is identical to end fitting (10) illustrated inFIG. 1, except as otherwise described here or illustrated in FIG. 2. Theend fitting (40) is shown having a body (42) (e.g., a generally tubular,cylindrical body). The body (42) can include threads (not shown) orsimilar means for engagement with adjacent objects (e.g., end fittingssecured to subsequent sections of a sucker rod string) at a closed end(44) thereof, while the sucker rod segment (60) can be inserted into andengaged through the open end (46) of the body (42). The portion of thebody (42) between the closed and open ends (44, 46) is shown having abore therein, defining an interior for engagement with the sucker rodsegment (60). The interior is depicted having a wedge system, in whichthe depicted embodiment includes an outer wedge (48), an intermediatewedge (50), and an inner wedge (52).

Each of the wedges (48, 50, 52) includes, generally, a leading edgepositioned closer to the open end (46), a trailing edge positionedcloser to the closed end (44), and an angle between the leading andtrailing edges. Specifically, the outer wedge (48) is shown having afirst leading edge (54A), a first trailing edge (56A), and a first angle(58A); the intermediate wedge (50) is shown having a second leading edge(54B), a second trailing edge (56B), and a second angle (58B); and theinner wedge (52) is shown having a third leading edge (54C), a thirdtrailing edge (56C), and a third angle (58C). In an embodiment, one ormore of the angles can be obtuse.

In the depicted embodiment, the third angle (58C) in the inner wedge(52) is smaller than the second angle (58B) in the intermediate wedge(50), and the second angle (58B) in the intermediate wedge (50) issmaller than the first angle (58C) in the outer wedge (48), while eachof the leading edges (54A, 54B, 54C) are substantially the same length,and each of the trailing edges (56A, 56B, 56C) are substantially thesame length. Due to this configuration, the inner wedge (52) has anoutermost diameter (D1) larger than a diameter (D2) of the intermediatewedge (50), which is larger than the diameter (D3) of the outer wedge(48). This configuration of wedges provides the end fitting (40) with adistribution of forces such that during use the inner wedge (52)receives a greater portion of the compressive force of an operation thanthe intermediate wedge (50), which receives a greater amount ofcompressive force than the outer wedge (48). The configuration can alsodetermines a force differential along and within each wedge (48, 50,52), such that compressive forces along the respective portion of eachof the wedges (48, 50, 52) nearest the closed end (44) are greater thanthose along the respective portion of the wedges (48, 50, 52) near theopen end (46).

During use, the sucker rod segment (60) can be secured within the endfitting (40) by first, second and third protruding wedges (62, 64, 66)each formed of cured resin material which is bonded to the sucker rodsegment (60) and fills the cavity at each of the wedge portions (48, 50,52) of end fitting (10). Specifically, a first protruding wedge (62) isshown extending into the respective outer wedge portion (48), a secondprotruding wedge (64) is shown extending into the intermediate wedgeportion (50), and a third protruding wedge (66) is shown extending intothe inner wedge portion (52). As the sucker rod is reciprocated in awellbore, the sucker rod segment (60) will alternatingly experience anaxial, tensile force in the direction of the open end (46) (e.g.,tending to pull the sucker rod segment (60) from the end fitting (40)),and an axial force in the direction of the closed end (44) (e.g.,tending to push the sucker rod segment (60) against the closed end (44).

When subjected to a force in the direction of the open end (46), contactbetween the innermost protruding wedge (66) formed of resin materialextending from the sucker rod segment (60) and the innermost leadingedge (54C) will create compressive force, applied to the sucker rodsegment (60) at a position corresponding to the inner wedge portion(52). Similarly, contact between the intermediate wedge (64) and theleading edge (54B) of the intermediate wedge portion (50) will create acompressive force, applied to the sucker rod segment (60) at a positioncorresponding to the intermediate wedge portion (50), that is less thanthe force applied at the inner wedge portion (52). Contact between theoutermost wedge (62) and the outermost leading edge (54A) will create acompressive force, applied to the sucker rod segment (60) at a positioncorresponding to the outer wedge portion (48), that is less than thatapplied at the intermediate and inner wedge portions (50, 52).Similarly, when subjected to a force in the direction of the closed end(44), contact between the protruding wedges (62, 64, 66) of epoxy/resinextending from the sucker rod segment (60) and the respective trailingedges (56A, 56B, 56C) will create compressive force, applied to thesucker rod segment (60) at each of the respective wedge portions (48,50, 52), with compressive force at the closed end (44) exceeding that atthe open end (46).

The amount of each compressive force applied at each respective wedgeportion (48, 50, 52) can vary depending on the angle at which each ofthe edges (54A, 56A, 54B, 56B, 54C, 56C) extends relative to thecorresponding wedge of epoxy/resin material and therefore also affectsthe force applied to each wedge portion (48, 50, 52).

It should be understood that while FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of anend fitting (40) in which the size of each angle (58A, 58B, 58C)progressively increases from the closed end (44) toward the open end(46), in other embodiments, the angles (58A, 58B, 58C) could each beequal, or could be arranged differently, and the leading and trailingedges (54A, 54B, 54C, 56A, 56B, 56C) could be configured to provide theend fitting (40) with a distribution of force such that compressiveforce experienced at the closed end (44) exceeds that at the open end(46). Additionally, while FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment in which the sizeof the angles (58A, 58B, 58C) is the sole feature that determines therelative compressive forces applied at each wedge portion (48, 50, 52),it should be understood that any of the outer leading edge (54A), outertrailing edge (56A), and outer angle (58A) of the outer wedge portion(48) could be sized relative to parts of the other wedge portions (50,52) to provide the open end (46) of the end fitting (40) with acompressive force less than that applied to other portions thereof.Similarly, any of the inner leading edge (54C), inner trailing edge(56C), and inner angle (58C) of the inner wedge portion (52) could besized relative to parts of the other wedge portions (48, 50) to providethe closed end (44) of the end fitting (40) with a compressive forcegreater than that applied to other portions thereof. Similarly, any ofthe intermediate leading edge (54B), intermediate trailing edge (56B),and intermediate angle (58B) could be sized relative to parts of theother wedge portions (48, 52) to provide the intermediate portion of theend fitting (40) with a compressive force greater than that applied tothe open end (46) and less than that applied to the closed end (44).

More specifically, the combination of the length of the outer leadingedge (54A), the length of the outer trailing edge (56A), and the size ofthe outer angle (58A) can be configured to provide the outer wedgeportion (48) with a first distribution of force. The combination of thelength of the intermediate leading edge (54B), the length of theintermediate trailing edge (56B), and the size of the intermediate angle(58B) can be configured to provide the intermediate wedge portion (50)with a second distribution of force. The combination of the length ofthe inner leading edge (54C), the length of the inner trailing edge(56C), and the size of the inner angle (58C) can be configured toprovide the inner wedged shaped portion (52) with a third distributionof force. The third distribution of force can be greater than the seconddistribution of force, which can be greater than the first distributionof force, to provide the end fitting (40) with a greater compressiveforce at the closed end (44), which progressively decreases toward theopen end (46).

FIG. 3 depicts a diagrammatic cross sectional view of an embodiment ofan end fitting (70) usable within the scope of the present disclosure,having an end of a segment of a sucker rod (90) engaged therein. FIG. 3depicts another possible configuration and arrangement of components, asdescribed above.

The end fitting (70) is shown having a body (72) (e.g., a generallytubular, cylindrical body). The body (72) can include threads (notshown) or similar means for engagement with adjacent objects (e.g., endfittings secured to subsequent sections of a sucker rod string) at aclosed end (74) thereof, while the sucker rod segment (90) can beinserted into and engaged through the open end (76) of the body (72).The portion of the body (72) between the closed and open ends (74, 76)is shown having a bore therein, defining an interior for engagement withthe sucker rod segment (90). The interior is depicted having a wedgesystem, in which the depicted embodiment includes an outer wedge (78),an intermediate wedge (80), and an inner wedge (82).

Each of the wedges (78, 80, 82) includes, generally, a leading edgepositioned closer to the open end (76), a trailing edge positionedcloser to the closed end (74), and an angle between the leading andtrailing edges. Specifically, the outer wedge (78) is shown having afirst leading edge (84A), a first trailing edge (86A), and a first angle(88A); the intermediate wedge (80) is shown having a second leading edge(84B), a second trailing edge (86B), and a second angle (88B); and theinner wedge (82) is shown having a third leading edge (84C), a thirdtrailing edge (86C), and a third angle (88C). In an embodiment, one ormore of the angles can be obtuse.

In the depicted embodiment, the leading edge (84A) in the outer wedge(78) is longer than the leading edge (84B) in the intermediate wedge(80), which is longer than the leading edge (84C) in the inner wedge(82), while each of the trailing edges (86A, 86B, 86C) are substantiallythe same length. The angle (88A) in the outer wedge (78) is shownslightly larger than the angle (88B) in the intermediate wedge (80),which is shown slightly larger than the angle (88C) in the inner wedge(82), to accommodate placement of each of the leading edges (84A, 84B,84C); however, it should be understood that in other embodiments, thelength of the leading edges (84A, 84B, 84C) could result in larger orsmaller outer diameters of each wedge (78, 80, 82), similar to theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, larger or smaller wedge lengths, or othermodifications. The depicted configuration of wedges provides the endfitting (70) with a distribution of forces such that the inner wedge(82) receives a greater portion of the compressive force of an operationthan the intermediate wedge (80), which receives a greater amount offorce than the outer wedge (78). The configuration can also create aforce differential along each wedge, such that compressive forces alongthe portion of the wedge near the closed end are greater than thosealong the portion of the wedge near the open end.

During use, the sucker rod segment (90) can be secured within the endfitting (70) by providing adhesive (e.g., epoxy, resin, etc.) into theinterior thereof. In addition to bonding to the sucker rod segment (90),the adhesive/epoxy/resin fills each of the wedge regions (78, 80, 82),forming protruding wedge sections (not labeled) that extend from thesucker rod segment (90). As the sucker rod is reciprocated in awellbore, the sucker rod segment (90) will alternatingly experience anaxial, tensile force in the direction of the open end (76) (e.g.,tending to pull the sucker rod segment (90) from the end fitting (70)),and an axial force in the direction of the closed end (74) (e.g.,tending to push the sucker rod segment (90) against the closed end(74)).

When subjected to a force in the direction of the open end (76), contactbetween the innermost wedge of epoxy/resin extending from the sucker rodsegment (90) and the innermost leading edge (84C) will createcompressive force, applied to the sucker rod segment (90) at a positioncorresponding to the inner wedge portion (82). Similarly, contactbetween the intermediate wedge of epoxy/resin and the leading edge (84B)of the intermediate wedge portion (80) will create a compressive force,applied to the sucker rod segment (90) at a position corresponding tothe intermediate wedge portion (80), that is less than the force appliedat the inner wedge portion (82). Contact between the outermost wedge ofepoxy/resin and the outermost leading edge (84A) will create acompressive force, applied to the sucker rod segment (90) at a positioncorresponding to the outer wedge portion (78), that is less than thatapplied at the intermediate and inner wedge portions (80, 82).Similarly, when subjected to a force in the direction of the closed end(74), contact between the protruding wedges of epoxy/resin extendingfrom the sucker rod segment (90) and the respective trailing edges (86A,86B, 86C) will create compressive force, applied to the sucker rodsegment (90) at each of the respective wedge portions (78, 80, 82), withcompressive force at the closed end (74) exceeding that at the open end(76).

The amount of each compressive force applied at each respective wedgeportion (78, 80, 82) can vary (e.g., inversely), depending on the lengthof each of the leading edges (84A, 84B, 84C) and/or the angle at whicheach of the edges (84A, 86A, 84B, 86B, 84C, 86C) extends relative to thecorresponding wedge of epoxy/resin material.

It should be understood that while FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of anend fitting (70) in which the length of each leading edge (84A, 84B,84C) progressively increases from the closed end (74) toward the openend (76), in other embodiments, the leading edges (84A, 84B, 84C) couldeach be equal in length, or could be arranged differently, and theangles and trailing edges (86A, 86B, 86C, 88A, 88B, 88C) could beconfigured to provide the end fitting (70) with a distribution of forcesuch that compressive force experienced at the closed end (74) exceedsthat at the open end (76). Any of the outer leading edge (84A), outertrailing edge (86A), and outer angle (88A) of the outer wedge portion(78) could be sized relative to parts of the other wedge portions (80,82) to provide the open end (76) of the end fitting (70) with acompressive force less than that applied to other portions thereof.Similarly, any of the inner leading edge (84C), inner trailing edge(86C), and inner angle (88C) of the inner wedge portion (82) could besized relative to parts of the other wedge portions (78, 80) to providethe closed end (74) of the end fitting (70) with a compressive forcegreater than that applied to other portions thereof. Similarly, any ofthe intermediate leading edge (84B), intermediate trailing edge (86B),and intermediate angle (88B) could be sized relative to parts of theother wedge portions (78, 82) to provide the intermediate portion of theend fitting (70) with a compressive force greater than that applied tothe open end (76) and less than that applied to the closed end (74).

The combination of the length of the outer leading edge (84A), thelength of the outer trailing edge (86A), and the size of the outer angle(88A) can be configured to provide the outer wedge portion (78) with afirst distribution of force. The combination of the length of theintermediate leading edge (84B), the length of the intermediate trailingedge (86B), and the size of the intermediate angle (88B) can beconfigured to provide the intermediate wedge portion (80) with a seconddistribution of force. The combination of the length of the innerleading edge (84C), the length of the inner trailing edge (86C), and thesize of the inner angle (88C) can be configured to provide the innerwedged shaped portion (82) with a third distribution of force. The thirddistribution of force can be greater than the second distribution offorce, which can be greater than the first distribution of force, toprovide the end fitting (70) with a greater compressive force at theclosed end (74), which progressively decreases toward the open end (76).

FIG. 4 depicts a diagrammatic cross sectional view of an embodiment ofan end fitting (100) usable within the scope of the present disclosure,having an end of a segment of a sucker rod (124) engaged therein. FIG. 4depicts another possible configuration and arrangement of components, asdescribed above.

The end fitting (100) is shown having a body (102) (e.g., a generallytubular, cylindrical body). The body (102) can include threads (notshown) or similar means for engagement with adjacent objects (e.g., endfittings secured to subsequent sections of a sucker rod string) at aclosed end (104) thereof, while the sucker rod segment (124) can beinserted into and engaged through the open end (106) of the body (102).The portion of the body (102) between the closed and open ends (104,106) is shown having a bore therein, defining an interior for engagementwith the sucker rod segment (124). The interior is depicted having awedge system, in which the depicted embodiment includes an outer wedge(108), an intermediate wedge (110), and an inner wedge (112).

Each of the wedges (108, 110, 112) includes, generally, a leading edgepositioned closer to the open end (106), a trailing edge positionedcloser to the closed end (104), and an angle between the leading andtrailing edges. Specifically, the outer wedge (108) is shown having afirst leading edge (114A), a first trailing edge (116A), and a firstangle (118A); the intermediate wedge (110) is shown having a secondleading edge (114B), a second trailing edge (116B), and a second angle(118B); and the inner wedge (112) is shown having a third leading edge(114C), a third trailing edge (116C), and a third angle (118C). In anembodiment, one or more of the angles can be obtuse.

In the depicted embodiment, the trailing edge (116A) in the outer wedge(108) is longer than the trailing edge (116B) in the intermediate wedge(110), which is longer than the trailing edge (116C) in the inner wedge(112), while each of the leading edges (114A, 114B, 114C) aresubstantially the same length. The angles (118A, 118B, 118C) in each ofthe wedges (108, 110, 112) are also substantially the same size, while afirst reflex angle (120) between the outer and intermediate wedges (108,110), and a second reflex angle (122) between the intermediate and innerwedges (110, 112) are sized to accommodate the progressive increase inthe length of the trailing edges (116A, 116B, 116C) from the closed end(104) toward the open end (106). It should be understood that thedepicted embodiment is merely exemplary, and the length of the leadingedges (114A, 114B, 114C) and/or the size of the angles (118A, 118B,118C) could be changed to accommodate for the trailing edges (116A,116B, 116C), as could the outer diameter of the wedges (108, 110, 112)and/or the overall lengths thereof. The depicted configuration of wedgesprovides the end fitting (100) with a distribution of forces such thatthe inner wedge (112) receives a greater portion of the compressiveforce of an operation than the intermediate wedge (110), which receivesa greater amount of force than the outer wedge (108). The configurationcan also create a force differential along each wedge, such thatcompressive forces along the portion of the wedge near the closed endare greater than those along the portion of the wedge near the open end.

During use, the sucker rod segment (124) can be secured within the endfitting (100) by providing adhesive (e.g., epoxy, resin, etc.) into theinterior thereof. In addition to bonding to the sucker rod segment(124), the adhesive/epoxy/resin fills each of the wedge regions (108,110, 112)), forming protruding wedge sections (not labeled) that extendfrom the sucker rod segment (124). As the sucker rod is reciprocated ina wellbore, the sucker rod segment (124) will alternatingly experiencean axial, tensile force in the direction of the open end (106) (e.g.,tending to pull the sucker rod segment (124) from the end fitting(100)), and an axial force in the direction of the closed end (104)(e.g., tending to push the sucker rod segment (124) against the closedend (104)).

When subjected to a force in the direction of the open end (106),contact between the innermost wedge of epoxy/resin extending from thesucker rod segment (124) and the innermost leading edge (114C) willcreate compressive force, applied to the sucker rod segment (124) at aposition corresponding to the inner wedge portion (112). Similarly,contact between the intermediate wedge of epoxy/resin and the leadingedge (114B) of the intermediate wedge portion (110) will create acompressive force, applied to the sucker rod segment (124) at a positioncorresponding to the intermediate wedge portion (110), that is less thanthe force applied at the inner wedge portion (112). Contact between theoutermost wedge of epoxy/resin and the outermost leading edge (114A)will create a compressive force, applied to the sucker rod segment (124)at a position corresponding to the outer wedge portion (108), that isless than that applied at the intermediate and inner wedge portions(110, 112). Similarly, when subjected to a force in the direction of theclosed end (114), contact between the protruding wedges of epoxy/resinextending from the sucker rod segment (124) and the respective trailingedges (116A, 116B, 116C) will create compressive force, applied to thesucker rod segment (124) at each of the respective wedge portions (108,110, 112), with compressive forces at the closed end (104) exceedingthose at the open end (106).

The amount of each compressive force applied at each respective wedgeportion (108, 110, 112) can vary (e.g., inversely), depending on thelength of each of the trailing edges (116A, 116B, 116C) and/or the angleat which each of the edges (114A, 114B, 114C, 116A, 116B, 116C) extendsrelative to the corresponding wedge of epoxy/resin material.

It should be understood that while FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of anend fitting (100) in which the length of each trailing edge (116A, 116B,116C) progressively increases from the closed end (104) toward the openend (106), in other embodiments, the trailing edges (116A, 116B, 116C)could each be equal in length, or could be arranged differently, and theangles and leading edges (116A, 116B, 116C, 118A, 118B, 118C) could beconfigured to provide the end fitting (100) with a distribution of forcesuch that compressive force experienced at the closed end (104) exceedsthat at the open end (106). Any of the outer leading edge (114A), outertrailing edge (116A), and outer angle (118A) of the outer wedge portion(108) could be sized relative to parts of the other wedge portions (110,112) to provide the open end (106) of the end fitting (100) with acompressive force less than that applied to other portions thereof.Similarly, any of the inner leading edge (114C), inner trailing edge(116C), and inner angle (118C) of the inner wedge portion (112) could besized relative to parts of the other wedge portions (108, 110) toprovide the closed end (104) of the end fitting (100) with a compressiveforce greater than that applied to other portions thereof. Similarly,any of the intermediate leading edge (114B), intermediate trailing edge(116B), and intermediate angle (118B) could be sized relative to partsof the other wedge portions (108, 112) to provide the intermediateportion of the end fitting (100) with a compressive force greater thanthat applied to the open end (106) and less than that applied to theclosed end (104).

The combination of the length of the outer leading edge (114A), thelength of the outer trailing edge (116A), and the size of the outerangle (118A) can be configured to provide the outer wedge portion (108)with a first distribution of force. The combination of the length of theintermediate leading edge (114B), the length of the intermediatetrailing edge (116B), and the size of the intermediate angle (118B) canbe configured to provide the intermediate wedge portion (110) with asecond distribution of force. The combination of the length of the innerleading edge (114C), the length of the inner trailing edge (116C), andthe size of the inner angle (118C) can be configured to provide theinner wedged shaped portion (112) with a third distribution of force.The third distribution of force can be greater than the seconddistribution of force, which can be greater than the first distributionof force, to provide the end fitting (100) with a greater compressiveforce at the closed end (104), which progressively decreases toward theopen end (106).

FIG. 5 depicts a diagrammatic cross sectional view of an embodiment ofan end fitting (130) usable within the scope of the present disclosure,having an end of a segment of a sucker rod (154) engaged therein. FIG. 5depicts another possible configuration and arrangement of components, asdescribed above.

The end fitting (130) is shown having a body (132) (e.g., a generallytubular, cylindrical body). The body (132) can include threads (134) orsimilar means for engagement with adjacent objects (e.g., end fittingssecured to subsequent sections of a sucker rod string) at a closed end(138) thereof, while the sucker rod segment (154) can be inserted intoand engaged through the open end (136) of the body (132). The portion ofthe body (132) between the open and closed ends (136, 138) is shownhaving a bore therein, defining an interior for engagement with thesucker rod segment (154). The interior is shown having a wedge system,in which the depicted embodiment includes an outer wedge (140), anintermediate wedge (142), and an inner wedge (144). FIG. 5 also includesa dashed line (146), representative of the fact that while the depictedend fitting (130) is shown having three wedges (140, 142, 144), anynumber of additional wedges could be included in the wedge systemwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In otherembodiments, fewer than three wedges (e.g., two wedges) could be used.

Each of the wedges (140, 142, 144) includes, generally, a leading edgepositioned closer to the open end (136), a trailing edge positionedcloser to the closed end (138), and an angle between the leading andtrailing edges. Specifically, the outer wedge (140) is shown having afirst leading edge (148A), a first trailing edge (150A), and a firstangle (152A); the intermediate wedge (142) is shown having a secondleading edge (148B), a second trailing edge (150B), and a second angle(152B); and the inner wedge (144) is shown having a third leading edge(148C), a third trailing edge (150C), and a third angle (152C). In anembodiment, one or more of the angles can be obtuse.

In the depicted embodiment, the leading edge (148A), trailing edge(150A), and angle (152A) in the outer wedge portion (140) provide theouter wedge portion (140) with a first overall wedge length (L1); theleading edge (148B), trailing edge (150B), and angle (152B) in theintermediate wedge portion (142) provide the intermediate wedge portion(142) with a second overall wedge length (L2); and the leading edge(148C), trailing edge (150C), and angle (152C) in the inner wedgeportion (144) provide the inner wedge portion (144) with a third overallwedge length (L3). The third wedge length (L3) is greater than thesecond wedge length (L2), which is greater than the first wedge length(L1). It should be understood that the depicted embodiment is merelyexemplary, and the lengths of the leading edges (148A, 148B, 148C) ortrailing edges (150A, 150B, 150C), and/or the size of the angles (152A,152B, 152C) can vary, as can the outer diameter of the wedges (140, 142,144). The depicted configuration of wedges provides the end fitting(130) with a distribution of forces such that the inner wedge (144)receives a greater portion of the compressive force of an operation thanthe intermediate wedge (142), which receives a greater amount of forcethan the outer wedge (140). The configuration can also create a forcedifferential along each wedge, such that compressive forces along theportion of the wedge near the closed end are greater than those alongthe portion of the wedge near the open end.

During use, the sucker rod segment (154) can be secured within the endfitting (130) by providing adhesive (e.g., epoxy, resin, etc.) into theinterior thereof. In addition to bonding to the sucker rod segment(154), the adhesive/epoxy/resin fills each of the wedge regions (140,142, 144) forming protruding wedge sections that extend from the suckerrod segment (154). As the sucker rod is reciprocated in a wellbore, thesucker rod segment (154) will alternatingly experience an axial, tensileforce in the direction of the open end (136) (e.g., tending to pull thesucker rod segment (154) from the end fitting (130)), and an axial forcein the direction of the closed end (138) (e.g., tending to push thesucker rod segment (154) against the closed end (138)).

When subjected to a force in the direction of the open end (136),contact between the innermost wedge of epoxy/resin extending from thesucker rod segment (154) and the innermost leading edge (148C) willcreate compressive force, applied to the sucker rod segment (154) at aposition corresponding to the inner wedge portion (144). Similarly,contact between the intermediate wedge of epoxy/resin and the leadingedge (148B) of the intermediate wedge portion (142) will create acompressive force, applied to the sucker rod segment (154) at a positioncorresponding to the intermediate wedge portion (142), that is less thanthe force applied at the inner wedge portion (144). Contact between theoutermost wedge of epoxy/resin and the outermost leading edge (148A)will create a compressive force, applied to the sucker rod segment (154)at a position corresponding to the outer wedge portion (140), that isless than that applied at the intermediate and inner wedge portions(142, 144). Similarly, when subjected to a force in the direction of theclosed end (138), contact between the protruding wedges of epoxy/resinextending from the sucker rod segment (154) and the respective trailingedges (150A, 150B, 150C) will create compressive force, applied to thesucker rod segment (154) at each of the respective wedge portions (140,142, 144), with compressive forces at the closed end (138) exceedingthose at the open end (136).

The amount of each compressive force applied at each respective wedgeportion (140, 142, 144) can vary (e.g., proportionally), depending onthe length of each of the leading or trailing edges and/or the angle atwhich each of the edges extends relative to the corresponding wedge ofepoxy/resin material.

It should be understood that while FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of anend fitting (130) in which the overall length of each wedge (140, 142,144) progressively decreases from the closed end (138) toward the openend (136), in other embodiments, the wedge lengths (L1, L2, L3) could beequal or otherwise arranged, while the leading edge lengths, trailingedge lengths, and/or sizes of the angels between the leading andtrailing edges could be configured to provide the end fitting (130) witha distribution of force such that compressive force experienced at theclosed end (138) exceeds that at the open end (136).

The combination of the length of the outer leading edge (148A), thelength of the outer trailing edge (150A), and the size of the outerangle (152A) can be configured to provide the outer wedge portion (140)with a first distribution of force. The combination of the length of theintermediate leading edge (148B), the length of the intermediatetrailing edge (150B), and the size of the intermediate angle (152B) canbe configured to provide the intermediate wedge portion (142) with asecond distribution of force. The combination of the length of the innerleading edge (148C), the length of the inner trailing edge (150C), andthe size of the inner angle (152C) can be configured to provide theinner wedged shaped portion (144) with a third distribution of force.The third distribution of force can be greater than the seconddistribution of force, which can be greater than the first distributionof force, to provide the end fitting (130) with a greater compressiveforce at the closed end (138), which progressively decreases toward theopen end (136).

FIG. 6 depicts a diagrammatic cross sectional view of an embodiment ofan end fitting (160) usable within the scope of the present disclosure,having an end of a segment of a sucker rod (180) engaged therein. Itshould be understood that the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is merely anillustrative, diagrammatic view of one possible configuration andarrangement of components, and, as described above, the specificdimensions and arrangement of portions of the end fitting (160), mostnotably the configuration of the wedge system depicted in the interiorthereof, can be varied without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The end fitting (160) is shown having a body (162) (e.g., a generallytubular, cylindrical body), with threads (164) at one end thereof forengaging an adjacent object (e.g., a connector engaged with a subsequentsection of a sucker rod string). The depicted end fitting (160) includesan open end (166), through which the sucker rod segment (180) can beengaged, and a closed end (168) opposite the open end (166). A portionof the body (162) between the closed and open ends (166, 168) can begenerally hollow, e.g., having a bore therein, defining an interior forengagement with the sucker rod segment (180). Within the interior is awedge system, in which the depicted embodiment includes an outer wedge(170) and an inner wedge (172). The embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 isillustrative of the fact that end fittings usable within the scope ofthe present disclosure can include fewer than three wedges (e.g., twowedges).

Each of the wedges (170, 172) includes, generally, a leading edgepositioned closer to the open end (166), a trailing edge positionedcloser to the closed end (168), and an angle between the leading andtrailing edges. Specifically, the outer wedge (170) is shown having afirst leading edge (174A), a first trailing edge (176A), and a firstangle (178A), and the inner wedge (172) is shown having a second leadingedge (174B), a second trailing edge (176B), and a second angle (178B).In an embodiment, one or more of the angles can be obtuse. In thedepicted embodiment, the second leading edge (174B) has a length greaterthan that of the first leading edge (174A), the first angle (178A) islarger than the second angle (178B), the inner wedge (172) has a greateroverall wedge length than the outer wedge (170), and the inner wedge(172) has a greater outer diameter than the outer wedge (170). Thedepicted configuration of wedges provides the end fitting (160) with adistribution of forces such that the inner wedge (172) receives agreater portion of the compressive force of an operation than the outerwedge (170). The configuration can also create a force differentialalong each wedge, such that compressive forces along the portion of thewedge near the closed end are greater than those along the portion ofthe wedge near the open end.

During use, the sucker rod segment (180) can be secured within the endfitting (160) by providing adhesive (e.g., epoxy, resin, etc.) into theinterior thereof. In addition to bonding to the sucker rod segment(180), the adhesive/epoxy/resin fills each of the wedge regions (170,172), forming protruding wedge sections (not labeled) that extend fromthe sucker rod segment (180). As the sucker rod is reciprocated in awellbore, the sucker rod segment (180) will alternatingly experience anaxial, tensile force in the direction of the open end (166) (e.g.,tending to pull the sucker rod segment (180) from the end fitting(160)), and an axial force in the direction of the closed end (168)(e.g., tending to push the sucker rod segment (180) against the closedend (168)).

When subjected to a force in the direction of the open end (166),contact between the protruding wedges of epoxy/resin extending from thesucker rod segment (180) and the leading edges (174A, 174B) will createcompressive force, applied to the sucker rod segment (180) at each ofthe respective wedge portions (170, 172). When subjected to a force inthe direction of the closed end (168), contact between the protrudingwedges of epoxy/resin extending from the sucker rod segment (180) andthe trailing edges (176A, 176B) will create compressive force, appliedto the sucker rod segment (180) at each of the respective wedge portions(170, 172). The amount of each compressive force applied to eachrespective wedge portion (170, 172) can vary (e.g., proportionally),depending on the length of the leading edge (174A, 174B), or trailingedge (176A, 176B) against which the protruding wedge of epoxy/resin isurged by the axial force from reciprocation of the sucker rod string.The size of the angles (178A, 178B) affects the angle at which each ofthe edges (174A, 174B, 176A, 176B) extends relative to the correspondingwedge of epoxy/resin material and therefore also affects the forceapplied to each wedge portion (170, 172).

FIG. 7 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting (190) usable within the scope of thepresent disclosure, engaged with a segment of a fiberglass compositesucker rod (210). Except as otherwise illustrated in FIG. 7 or describedhere, end fitting (190) is identical to end fitting (10), which isillustrated in FIG. 1 and described in preceding paragraphs [00037]through [00041] of this disclosure. End fitting (190) includes wedgesystem (197) having outer wedge portion (198) configured to distributecompressive force in the sucker rod (210) proximate the open end (196),and inner wedge portion (202) configured to distribute compressive forcein the sucker rod (196) proximate the closed end (194). Referring toFIG. 7, in the specific arrangement illustrated inner wedge portion(202) has a respective overall length along a respective inner baseline(209C) exceeding the overall length of outer wedge portion (198) alongrespective outer baseline (209A), and outer wedge portion (198) has arespective overall length along outer baseline (209A) exceeding theoverall length of intermediate wedge portion (200) along respectiveintermediate baseline (209B). Also in the specific arrangementillustrated in FIG. 7, the length of inner leading edge (204C) ofrespective inner wedge portion (202) exceeds the length of outer leadingedge (204A) of respective outer wedge portion (198), and the length ofouter leading edge (204A) of outer wedge portion (198) exceeds thelength of intermediate leading edge (204B) of respective intermediatewedge portion (200). In the specific arrangement illustrated in FIG. 7,the length of inner trailing edge (206C) of respective inner wedgeportion (202) exceeds the length of outer trailing edge (206A) ofrespective outer wedge portion (198), and the length of outer trailingedge (206A) of outer wedge portion (198) exceeds the length ofintermediate trailing edge (206B) of respective intermediate wedgeportion (200). Particularly in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, theouter wedge portion (198) is of different cross-sectional geometricconfiguration than the inner wedge portion (202), such thatproportionate reduction by the outer wedge portion (198) of compressiveforce in the sucker rod (210) proximate the open end (196) is greaterthan proportionate reduction by the inner wedge portion (202) ofcompressive force in the sucker rod (210) proximate the closed end(194). Particularly, the inner wedge portion (202) is configured todistribute more compressive force in the sucker rod (210) proximate theclosed end (194) than proximate the open end (196), and the outer wedgeportion (198) is configured to distribute less compressive force in thesucker rod (210) proximate the open end (196) than proximate the closedend (194).

FIG. 8 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting (220) usable within the scope of thepresent disclosure, engaged with a segment of a fiberglass compositesucker rod (240). Except as otherwise illustrated in FIG. 8 or describedhere, end fitting (220) is identical to end fitting (10), which isillustrated in FIG. 1 and described in preceding paragraphs [00037]through [00041] of this disclosure. End fitting (220) includes wedgesystem (227) having outer wedge portion (228) configured to distributecompressive force in the sucker rod (240) proximate the open end (226),and inner wedge portion (232) configured to distribute compressive forcein the sucker rod (240) proximate the closed end (226). Referring toFIG. 8, in the specific arrangement illustrated inner wedge portion(232) has a respective overall length along a respective inner baseline(239C) exceeding the overall length of intermediate wedge portion (230)along respective intermediate baseline (239B), and intermediate wedgeportion (230) has a respective overall length along intermediatebaseline (239B) exceeding the overall length of outer wedge portion(228) along respective outer baseline (239A). Also in the specificarrangement illustrated in FIG. 8, the length of inner leading edge(234C) of respective inner wedge portion (232) exceeds the length ofintermediate leading edge (234B) of respective intermediate wedgeportion (230), and the length of intermediate leading edge (234B) ofintermediate wedge portion (230) exceeds the length of outer leadingedge (234A) of respective outer wedge portion (232). In the specificarrangement illustrated in FIG. 8, the length of inner trailing edge(236C) of respective inner wedge portion (232) exceeds the length ofintermediate trailing edge (236B) of respective intermediate wedgeportion (230), and the length of intermediate trailing edge (236B) ofintermediate wedge portion (230) exceeds the length of outer trailingedge (236A) of respective outer wedge portion (228). Particularly in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the outer wedge portion (228) is ofdifferent cross-sectional geometric configuration than the inner wedgeportion (232), such that proportionate reduction by the outer wedgeportion (228) of compressive force in the sucker rod (240) proximate theopen end (226) is greater than proportionate reduction by the innerwedge portion (232) of compressive force in the sucker rod (240)proximate the closed end (224). Particularly, the inner wedge portion(232) is configured to distribute more compressive force in the suckerrod (240) proximate the closed end (224) than proximate the open end(226), and the outer wedge portion (228) is configured to distributeless compressive force in the sucker rod (240) proximate the open end(226) than proximate the closed end 224).

FIG. 9 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting (311) usable within the scope of thepresent disclosure engaged with a segment of a fiberglass compositesucker rod (312). Except as otherwise illustrated in FIG. 9 or describedhere, end fitting (311) is identical to end fitting (10), which isillustrated in FIG. 1 and described in preceding paragraphs [00037]through [00041] of this disclosure. End fitting (311) includes outerwedge portion (320) configured to distribute compressive force in thesucker rod (312) proximate the open end (316), and inner wedge portion(324) configured to distribute compressive force in the sucker rod (312)proximate the closed end (318). Referring to FIG. 9, in the specificarrangement illustrated outer wedge portion (320) has a respectiveoverall length along outer baseline (331A) exceeding the overall lengthof intermediate wedge portion (322) along respective intermediatebaseline (331B), and intermediate wedge portion (322) has a respectiveoverall length along intermediate baseline (331B) exceeding the overalllength of inner wedge portion (324) along respective outer baseline(331A). Also in the specific arrangement illustrated in FIG. 9, thelength of outer leading edge (226A) of respective outer wedge portion(320) exceeds the length of intermediate leading edge (326B) ofrespective intermediate wedge portion (322), and the length ofintermediate leading edge (326B) of intermediate wedge portion (322)exceeds the length of inner leading edge (326C) of respective innerwedge portion (324). In the specific arrangement illustrated in FIG. 9,the length of inner trailing edge (328C) of respective inner wedgeportion (324) exceeds the length of intermediate trailing edge (328B) ofrespective intermediate wedge portion (322), and the length ofintermediate trailing edge (328B) of intermediate wedge portion (322)exceeds the length of outer trailing edge (328A) of respective outerwedge portion (320). In the specific embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9,it will be understood that outer vertex angle (330A) exceedsintermediate vertex angle (330B), and intermediate vertex angle (330B)exceeds inner vertex angle (330C). Particularly in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 9, the outer wedge portion (320) is of differentcross-sectional geometric configuration than the inner wedge portion(324), such that proportionate reduction by the outer wedge portion(324) of compressive force in the sucker rod (312) proximate the openend (316) is greater than proportionate reduction by the inner wedgeportion (324) of compressive force in the sucker rod (312) proximate theclosed end (318). Particularly, the inner wedge portion (324) isconfigured to distribute more compressive force in the sucker rod (312)proximate the closed end (318) than proximate the open end (316), andthe outer wedge portion (324) is configured to distribute lesscompressive force in the sucker rod (312) proximate the open end (316)than proximate the closed end 318). Particularly in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 9, the length of the first leading edge (326A)exceeds the length of the third leading edge (326C) for establishing aforce distribution characteristic of the outer wedge portion (320)relative to the inner wedge portion (324). Particularly in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the length of the first leading edge(326A) exceeds the length of the second leading edge (326B); the lengthof the second leading edge (326B) exceeds the length of the thirdleading edge (326C); and the relative lengths of the first leading edge(326A), second leading edge (326B) and third leading edge (326C)establish relative force distribution characteristics of the outer wedgeportion (320), intermediate wedge portion (322) and inner wedge portion(324), such that compressive force in the sucker rod (312) proximate theclosed end (318) exceeds compressive force in the sucker rod (312)proximate the open end (316). More particularly in accordance with therelationships described herein, the configuration establishes relativeforce distribution characteristics of the outer wedge portion (320),intermediate wedge portion (322) and inner wedge portion (324), suchthat compressive force in the sucker rod (312) proximate the closed end(316) exceeds compressive force in the sucker rod (312) intermediate theopen end (316) and closed end (318), and such that compressive force inthe sucker rod (312) intermediate the open end (316) and closed end(318) exceeds compressive force in the sucker rod (312) proximate theopen end (316). Particularly in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9,the outer wedge portion (320) has an outer wedge height defined betweenthe outer vertex (329A) and the outer baseline (331A), the intermediatewedge portion (322) has an intermediate wedge height defined between theintermediate vertex (329B) and the intermediate baseline (331B), and theinner wedge portion (324) has an inner wedge height defined between theinner vertex (329C) and the inner baseline (331C); the inner wedgeheight is greater than or equal to the intermediate wedge height, andthe intermediate wedge height is greater than or equal to the outerwedge height. It will be understood that the diameter of the interior ofbody (313) relative to a central longitudinal axis of end fitting (311)at inner vertex (329C), intermediate vertex (329B) and outer vertex(329A) varies in relation to respective of the inner wedge height,intermediate wedge height, and outer wedge height, such that the maximumdiameter of the interior of body (313) exists at inner vertex (329C);diameter at inner vertex (329C) exceeds diameter at intermediate vertex(329B); and diameter at intermediate vertex (329B) exceeds diameter atouter vertex (329A).

FIG. 10 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting (410) usable within the scope of thepresent disclosure engaged with a segment of a fiberglass compositesucker rod (412). Except as otherwise illustrated in FIG. 10 ordescribed here, end fitting (410) is identical to end fitting (10),which is illustrated in FIG. 1 and described in preceding paragraphs[00037] through [00041] of this disclosure. Referring to FIG. 10, in thespecific arrangement illustrated outer wedge portion (420) has arespective overall length along outer baseline (431A) exceeding theoverall length of intermediate wedge portion (422) along respectiveintermediate baseline (431B), and intermediate wedge portion (422) has arespective overall length along intermediate baseline (431B) exceedingthe overall length of inner wedge portion (424) along respective outerbaseline (431A). Also in the specific arrangement illustrated in FIG.10, the length of outer leading edge (426A) of respective outer wedgeportion (420) exceeds the length of intermediate leading edge (426B) ofrespective intermediate wedge portion (422), and the length ofintermediate leading edge (426B) of intermediate wedge portion (422)exceeds the length of inner leading edge (426C) of respective innerwedge portion (424). In the specific arrangement illustrated in FIG. 10,the height of respective inner wedge portion (424) from inner vertex(429C) to inner baseline (431C) exceeds the height of intermediate wedgeportion (428B), and the height of intermediate wedge portion (428B) ofintermediate wedge portion (322) exceeds the height of outer wedgeportion (420). In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, itwill be understood that interior diameters of end fitting (410) at innervertex (429C), intermediate vertex (429B) and outer vertex (429A) areidentical. End fitting (410) includes inner wedge (424) having arespective inner wedge triangular configuration (425C) differing fromouter wedge (420) having a respective outer wedge triangularconfiguration (425A) to bias distribution of compressive force in thesucker rod (412) at the end fitting (410) during use. The outer wedgetriangular configuration (425A) confines the outer wedge portion (420)to distribute relatively less compressive force in the sucker rod (412)proximate the open end (416) than distributed by the inner wedge portion(424) in the sucker rod (412) proximate the closed end (418). The innerwedge triangular configuration (425C) confines the inner wedge portion(424) to distribute relatively more compressive force in the sucker rod(412) proximate the closed end (418) than distributed by the outer wedgeportion (420) in the sucker rod (412) proximate the open end (416).Particularly, the inner wedge triangular configuration (425C) differsfrom the outer wedge triangular configuration (425A) to biasdistribution of compressive force in the sucker rod (412) at the endfitting (410) during use, the outer wedge triangular configuration(425A) confining the outer wedge portion (420) to distribute lesscompressive force in the sucker rod (412) proximate the open end (416)than distributed by the inner wedge portion (424) in the sucker rod(412) proximate the closed end (418). The inner wedge triangularconfiguration (425C) confines the inner wedge portion (424) todistribute more compressive force in the sucker rod (412) proximate theclosed end (418) than distributed by the outer wedge portion (420) inthe sucker rod (412) proximate the open end (416). Particularly in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the inner wedge triangularconfiguration (425C) differs from the outer wedge triangularconfiguration (425A) to bias distribution of compressive force in thesucker rod (412) at the end fitting (410) during use; the outer wedgetriangular configuration (425A) confining the outer wedge portion (420)to reduce compressive force in the sucker rod (412) proximate the openend (416) below compressive force in the sucker rod (412) proximate theclosed end (418); and the inner wedge triangular configuration (425C)confines the inner wedge portion (424) to maintain compressive force inthe sucker rod (412) proximate the closed end (418) above compressiveforce in the sucker rod (412) proximate the open end (416). Particularlyin the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the wedge system (414)comprises an intermediate wedge portion (422) formed in the interiorbetween the inner wedge portion (424) and outer wedge portion (420), andthe intermediate wedge portion (422) is configured to distributecompressive force in the sucker rod (412) intermediate the inner wedgeportion (424) and outer wedge portion (420). The intermediate wedgeportion (422) in cross-section has a respective intermediate wedgetriangular configuration (425B) including a respective intermediateleading edge (426B) extending between the outer wedge portion (420) andan intermediate trailing edge (428B), and the intermediate leading edge(426B) intersects the intermediate trailing edge (428B) at a respectiveintermediate vertex (429B) characterized by a respective intermediatevertex angle (430B). The intermediate wedge triangular configuration(425B) has an imaginary intermediate triangle base (431B) opposite theintermediate vertex 429B). The intermediate wedge triangularconfiguration (425B) determines distribution by the intermediate wedgeportion (422) of compressive force in the sucker rod (412) proximate theintermediate wedge portion (422) between the inner wedge portion (424)and outer wedge portion (420). The intermediate wedge triangularconfiguration (425B) differs from the inner wedge triangularconfiguration (425C) to bias distribution of compressive force in thesucker rod (412) at the end fitting (410) during use. The intermediatewedge triangular configuration (425B) confines the intermediate wedgeportion (422) to distribute relatively less compressive force in thesucker rod (412) proximate the intermediate portion (422) between theclosed end (418) and open end (416) than distributed by the inner wedgeportion (424) in the sucker rod (412) proximate the closed end (418).The intermediate wedge geometric configuration (425B) confines theintermediate wedge portion (422) to distribute relatively morecompressive force in the sucker rod (412) proximate the intermediateportion (422) between the closed end (418) and open end (416) thandistributed by the outer wedge portion (420) in the sucker rod (412)proximate the open end (416).

FIG. 11 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting (510) usable within the scope of thepresent disclosure, engaged with a segment of a fiberglass compositesucker rod (512). Except as otherwise illustrated or described here, endfitting (510) is identical to end fitting (10), which is illustrated inFIG. 1 and described in paragraphs [00037] through [00041] of thisdisclosure. It will be understood that a sucker rod assembly (511)generally includes, in combination, an elongated fiber composite suckerrod (512), end fittings (510) joined with sucker rod (512) at theopposite ends thereof (in FIG. 11, one end fitting (510) at one of theends of sucker rod assembly (511) is illustrated), and cured resinmaterial (509) between sucker rod (512) and end fittings (510) forpermanently joining the same. In sucker rod assembly (511), the endfittings (510) at opposite ends of sucker rod (512) can have differentor identical threads, according to the manner selected for joiningmultiple sucker rod assemblies to form a sucker rod string (not shown inFIG. 11). Referring to FIG. 11, end fitting (510) includes body (513)having an interior, a closed end (518), and an open end (516) oppositeclosed end (518). Wedge system (514) is formed in the interior of body(512). Wedge system (514) includes an outer wedge portion (520),intermediate wedge portion (522) and inner wedge portion (524). It willbe understood that a protruding wedge system is formed of resin material(509) and fills the cavity between sucker rod (512) and wedge system(514) for permanently joining the same during use. The protruding wedgesystem includes respective outer protruding wedge (525A), intermediateprotruding wedge (525B) and inner protruding wedge (525C).

Referring to FIG. 11, outer wedge portion (520) is formed in theinterior proximate open end (516). Viewed in cross-section asillustrated in FIG. 11, outer wedge portion (520) has a substantiallytriangular configuration (“outer wedge triangular configuration(525A)”). The outer wedge triangular configuration (525A) includes outerleading edge (526A) extending between open end (516) and outer trailingedge (528A). Outer leading edge (526A) intersects outer trailing edge(528A) at a respective outer vertex (529A) having respective outervertex angle (530A). An elongated imaginary outer baseline (531A)extends opposite outer vertex (529A) between spaced, opposite ends ofouter leading edge (526A) and outer trailing edge (528A). Outer wedgeportion (520) has an overall length along outer baseline (531A).Intermediate wedge portion (522) is formed in the interior between innerwedge portion (524) and outer wedge portion (520).

Referring to FIG. 11, intermediate wedge portion (522) is formed in theinterior intermediate open end (516) and closed end (518). Viewed incross-section as illustrated in FIG. 11, intermediate wedge portion(522) has a respective substantially triangular configuration(“intermediate wedge triangular configuration (525B)”). The intermediatewedge triangular configuration includes respective intermediate leadingedge (526B) extending between the outer wedge portion (520) and anintermediate trailing edge (528B). Intermediate leading edge (526B)intersects intermediate trailing edge (528B) at a respectiveintermediate vertex (529B) having respective intermediate vertex angle(523B). An elongated imaginary intermediate baseline extends oppositeintermediate vertex (529B) between opposite ends of intermediate leadingedge (226B) and intermediate trailing edge (528B). Intermediate wedgeportion (522) has an overall length along intermediate baseline (531B).

Referring to FIG. 11, inner wedge portion (524) is formed in theinterior proximate closed end (518). Referring to FIG. 11, inner wedgeportion (524) is formed in the interior proximate the closed end (518).Viewed in cross-section as illustrated in FIG. 11, inner wedge portion(524) has a respective substantially triangular configuration (525C).The inner wedge triangular configuration includes inner leading edge(526C) extending between the intermediate wedge portion (522) and innertrailing edge (528C). Inner leading edge (526C) intersects innertrailing edge (528C) at a respective inner vertex (529C) havingrespective inner vertex angle (530C). An elongated imaginary innerbaseline extends opposite inner vertex (529C) between spaced, oppositeends of inner leading edge (526C) and inner trailing edge (528C). Innerwedge portion (524) has an overall length along inner baseline (531C).

Referring to FIG. 11, outer wedge portion (520) is configured todistribute compressive force in sucker rod (512) proximate open end(516) and adjacent to outer wedge portion (520). Inner wedge portion(524) is configured to distribute compressive force in sucker rod (512)proximate the closed end (518) and adjacent to inner wedge portion(524). Intermediate wedge portion (522) is configured to distributecompressive force in sucker rod (512) adjacent intermediate wedgeportion (522) and intermediate closed end (518) and open end (516).Outer wedge portion (520) has a respective outer wedge triangularconfiguration (525A) different from the inner wedge triangularconfiguration (525C) of inner wedge portion (524) for biasingdistribution of compressive force in the sucker rod (512) at the endfitting (510) during use and reciprocation of the sucker rod string (notshown in FIG. 11). The outer wedge geometric configuration (525A)confines the outer wedge portion (520) to distribute less compressiveforce in the sucker rod (512) proximate the open end (516) than in thesucker rod (512) proximate the closed end (518). The inner wedgegeometric configuration (525C) confines the inner wedge portion (524) todistribute more compressive force in the sucker rod (512) proximate theclosed end (518) than in the sucker rod (512) proximate the open end(516). The intermediate wedge portion (522) has a respectiveintermediate wedge triangular configuration (525B) different from theinner wedge triangular configuration (525C) of inner wedge portion (524)for biasing distribution of compressive force in the sucker rod (512) atthe end fitting (510) during use and reciprocation of the sucker rodstring (not shown in FIG. 11). The intermediate wedge geometricconfiguration (525B) confines the intermediate wedge portion (522) todistribute less compressive force in the sucker rod (512) proximate theintermediate wedge portion (522) between closed end (518) and open end(516) than in the sucker rod (512) proximate the closed end (518). Theintermediate wedge geometric configuration (525B) confines theintermediate wedge portion (522) to distribute more compressive force inthe sucker rod (512) proximate the intermediate wedge portion (522)between closed end (518) and open end (516) than in the sucker rod (512)proximate the open end (516). Particularly in the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 11, the outer wedge portion (520) is configured relative to theinner wedge portion (524) to disproportionately reduce compressive forcein the sucker rod (512) proximate the open end (516) in relation tocompressive force in the sucker rod (512) proximate the closed end(518). Particularly in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the innerwedge portion (524) is configured relative to the outer wedge portion(520) to disproportionately distribute compressive force in the suckerrod (512) proximate the closed end (518) in relation to and in excess ofcompressive force in the sucker rod (512) proximate the open end (516).Particularly in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the outer wedgeportion (520) is configured relative to the inner wedge portion (524) toreduce peak compressive force in the sucker rod (512) proximate the openend (516) in relation to and below peak compressive force in the suckerrod (512) proximate the closed end (518).

Referring to FIG. 11, in the specific arrangement illustrated innerwedge portion (524) has a respective overall length along inner baseline(531C) exceeding the overall length of intermediate wedge portion (522)along respective intermediate baseline (531B), and intermediate wedgeportion (522) has a respective overall length along intermediatebaseline (531B) exceeding the overall length of outer wedge portion(520) along respective outer baseline (531A). Also in the specificarrangement illustrated in FIG. 11, the length of inner leading edge(526C) of respective inner wedge portion (524) exceeds the length ofintermediate leading edge (526B) of respective intermediate wedgeportion (522), and the length of intermediate leading edge (526B) ofintermediate wedge portion (522) exceeds the length of outer leadingedge (526A) of respective outer wedge portion (520). In the specificarrangement illustrated in FIG. 11, the length of inner trailing edge(528C) of respective inner wedge portion (524) exceeds the length ofintermediate trailing edge (528B) of respective intermediate wedgeportion (522), and the length of intermediate trailing edge (528B) ofintermediate wedge portion (522) exceeds the length of outer trailingedge (528A) of respective outer wedge portion (520). In the specificembodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, it will be understood that innervertex angle (530C) exceeds intermediate vertex angle (530B), andintermediate vertex angle (530B) exceeds outer vertex angle (530A). Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, it will be understood that innerwedge portion (524) has a respective inner wedge height determined alonga tangent between inner baseline (531C) and respective inner vertex(529C); intermediate wedge portion (522) has a respective intermediatewedge height determined along a tangent between intermediate baseline(531B); and respective intermediate vertex (529B); and that outer wedgeportion (520) has a respective outer wedge height determined along atangent between outer baseline (531A) and respective outer vertex(529A). In the specific arrangement illustrated in FIG. 11, the innerwedge height of inner wedge portion (524) exceeds the intermediate wedgeheight of intermediate wedge portion (522), and the intermediate wedgeheight of intermediate wedge portion (522) exceeds the outer wedgeheight of outer wedge portion (520). It will be understood that thediameter of the interior of body (513) at inner vertex (529C),intermediate vertex (529B) and outer vertex (529A) varies in relation tothe inner wedge height, intermediate wedge height, outer wedge height,such that the maximum diameter of the interior of body (513) relative tothe central longitudinal axis of end fitting (510) exists at innervertex (529C); diameter at inner vertex (229C) exceeds diameter atintermediate vertex (529B); and diameter at intermediate vertex (529B)exceeds diameter at outer vertex (529A).

FIG. 12 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of anembodiment of an end fitting (810) usable within the scope of thepresent disclosure, which is engaged with a segment of a fiberglasscomposite sucker rod (812). Except as otherwise illustrated in FIG. 12or described herein, the end fitting (810) is identical to end fitting(10), which is illustrated in FIG. 1 and described in precedingparagraphs through [00041] of this disclosure. Additionally, while somestructural elements are only illustrated herein on a single side of theend fitting (810), it can be appreciated that end fitting (810) issymmetrical across its longitudinal axis (811) and, thus, elementsillustrated on one side can also be found on the other.

Referring to FIG. 12, as with the other embodiments, the inner surfaceof the end fitting (810) defines a series of leading edges (826A-C) andtrailing edges (828A-C) in which the inner surface of the fitting (810)alternately diverges from, and converges towards, sucker rod (812). Eachleading edge (826A-C) is defined by a divergence from the sucker rod(812) from the open end (816) to the closed end (818) of the end fitting(810), while each trailing edge (828A-C) is defined by a convergence (orapproach) from the open end (816) to the closed end (818). In anembodiment, the lengths of the leading edges (826A-C), trailing edges(828A-C), or both, may decrease from the open end (816) to the closedend (818) of the end fitting (810). In the depicted embodiment, as withthe embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, it can be seen that the innersurface of the end fitting (810) diverges from sucker rod (812) for alonger distance in defining the first leading edge (826A) than it doesin defining the second leading edge (826B), and second leading edge(826A) is defined by a longer divergence than the third leading edge(826C).

Additionally, FIG. 12, in contrast with the embodiments shown in, e.g.,FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, features gradual transitions between the diverge andconvergence, which define wedge portions (820, 822, 824) having arcuatevertices (829A-C) and arcuate transition surfaces (830A-C). (Transitionsurfaces (830A-C) of wedge portions (820, 822, 824) may also beconsidered vertices or apices of the inner surface of end fitting (810),but for clarity, will be referred to as transition surfaces to maintaindiagrammatic consistency of vertices (829A-C) with other depictedembodiments). Also in the specific arrangement illustrated in FIG. 12,the innermost trailing edge (828C) leads into an innermost transitionsurface (830C) which defines a receptacle for the sucker rod (812).Distinctly, the innermost transition surface (830C) terminates in a stopsurface, which can comprise a squared-off corner (835) as depicted,which provides a resting point for the sucker rod (812) and anadditional cavity (836) between the inner end of the sucker rod (812)and the closed end (818) of the end fitting (810).

In the depicted embodiment, the illustrated lengths of the specificarrangement, including outer wedge portion (820), has a respectiveoverall length along the outer baseline (831A) that exceeds the overalllength of the intermediate wedge portion (822) along its respectiveintermediate baseline (831B). The intermediate wedge portion (822)additionally has a respective overall length along its intermediatebaseline (831B) that exceeds the overall length of the inner wedgeportion (824) along respective outer baseline (831C). Also in thespecific arrangement illustrated in FIG. 10, the length of the outerleading edge (826A) of respective outer wedge portion (820) exceeds thelength of the intermediate leading edge (826B) of the respectiveintermediate wedge portion (822), and the length of the intermediateleading edge (826B) of the intermediate wedge portion (822) exceeds thelength of the inner leading edge (826C) of the respective inner wedgeportion (824). The same relationship is true of the outer trailing edge(828A), which is longer than the intermediate trailing edge (828B),which in turn is longer than the inner trailing edge (828C). As theleading and trailing edges lengthen, these dimensions in turnnecessitate a larger angle for the arcuate vertices (829A-C) from theinner end to the outer end. The effect of these dimensions, incombination, creates a force continuum of increasing compressivepressure from the open end (816) to the closed end (818).

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a generic pumping system 600 usablewithin the scope of the present disclosure. The pumping system 600includes a pump drive 622, which can be a conventional beam pump or pumpjack, at the surface and connected to a down hole pump 626 through asucker rod 624 inserted into wellbore 628. It will be understood thatthe wellbore 628 is shown in a land surface, and in other embodimentsthe wellbore can be located in submerged, underwater terrain. Where thewellbore exists in submerged, underwater terrain, a suitable pump drivecan be located, for example, at the underwater terrain surface or on aplatform supported above the water. In the specific embodimentillustrated, the pump drive 622 includes a horsehead 622A, beam 622B,gearbox 622C and motor 622D. The sucker rod 624 comprises a continuoussucker rod string formed of a series of connected sucker rod segments(“sucker rods”) 610 that extends from the down hole pump 26 to the pumpdrive 622. It will be understood that the sucker rod 624 can include anysuitable combination of sucker rod segments 610 of different lengths andsizes, including in some arrangements what is loosely identified in theart as a “continuous sucker rod” or one-piece sucker rod 650 that can bemany multiples of the length of conventional sucker rod segments 610 andwhich can be connected thereto by suitable end fittings 640. Each suckerrod segment 610 can include a fiberglass or other suitable fibercomposite rod segment 660 and end fitting 640 at one or both endsthereof. It will be understood also that the pumping system 600 isusable in connection with methods of artificial lift as described below.

FIG. 14 is a schematic flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a methodof artificial lift 700 that is usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Method 700 comprisies the step of providing 710 a sucker rodaccording to an embodiment disclosed herein. It will be understood thatthe sucker rod can be configured and constructed according to any of theembodiments disclosed or claimed herein. Method 700 comprises the stepof bottom connecting 720 the sucker rod in driving relationship with adown hole pump positioned in a wellbore for pumping interaction withfluid to be lifted therefrom. Method 700 comprises the step of topconnecting 730 the sucker rod in driven relationship with a pump drivefor reciprocated lifting and lowering of the sucker rod connectedthereto. Method 700 comprises the step of reciprocating 740 the suckerrod by operation of the pump drive to cause pumping motion of the downhole pump to lift fluid in the wellbore. It will be understood thatmethods of artificial lift as described herein provide improved energyefficiency, reduced power consumption, improved reliability, improveddurability and other advantages that will be understood by those ofordinary skill.

Turning now to FIG. 15, the method steps of an embodiment of a usefulautomated installation procedure 1000 suitable for the end fittingembodiments is depicted. The procedure begins with a fiberglass suckerrod being rolled or otherwise placed into a locating slot 1010 locatedover a surface such as a table (hereinafter “rod table”). In anembodiment, the rod may be positioned over a rod table utilizing aplurality of loading stands, each with its own locating slot, ensuringthe rod is aligned along its entire length, increasing the stability ofthe rod position and ensuring no portion of it sags. These will befurther detailed in FIG. 18. In an embodiment, due to the importance ofprecise machining and positioning relative to the rod, this slot locksthe rod into place with a margin of error of less than a hundredth of apercent (a misaligned end fitting may contact the rod, splitting thefiberglass and causing a fault.).

Two air chucks (hereinafter “rod chuck” and “fitting chuck”) can bepositioned at a short distance from the rod, each mounted on a smallertable (hereinafter “chuck tables”). An end fitting containing aspecified quantity of adhesive is placed open-end up into the fittingchuck 1020, while the rod chuck comprises an orifice which is alignedwith the rod's position in the locating slot. In an embodiment, bothchuck tables are mounted on a plurality of linear rails located on therod table. The linear rails fix the position of the chucks in the X-axiswhile allowing them to be adjusted along the Y-axis. A servo motor canmove the tables along the rails. In this embodiment, the fitting chuckis further elevated above the chuck table on an axis which allows it totilt between a vertical and horizontal orientation; initially thefitting chuck is oriented vertically to allow the operator to simplyplace the end fitting inside the fitting chuck.

In this embodiment, the automated installation sequence is theninitiated 1030. This electronically controlled process begins byactivating a safety light curtain 1040 around the apparatus, as thefitting chuck constricts and tightens around the end fitting 1050. Thechuck table begins to move along the rails closer to the rod; theorifice of the rod chuck passes around the rod while the fitting chucktilts to the horizontal, facing the open end of the end fitting towardsthe rod 1060. A sensor associated with the rod chuck can determine whenthe chuck table has advanced enough to meet the end of the rod 1070.

The chuck table terminates its movement while the rod chuck closesaround the rod 1080. Brakes associated with the rod chuck can lock tothe linear rails, fixing the rod chuck's position in the Y-axis andfurther ensuring that the chucks remain aligned during the procedure1090.

The fitting chuck begins to rotate 1100, while advancing further as therod chuck is stationary. The advance of the fitting chuck places the endfitting around the end of the rod (the rod end surface may be sanded tomaximize adhesion), as the rotation ensures an even application of theadhesive. The fitting is at first advanced quickly, but as the rod endmakes further contact with the adhesive, begins to advance more slowlyas the rod reaches maximum depth 1110. Sensors can display the forcebeing applied to the rod, the torque being applied to the fitting chuck,and the positions of the two chucks on the table 1120.

Once a predetermined threshold of force and position is met, the fittingchuck stops advancing and rotating, and both chucks open 1130. The chucktable retracts, leaving the fitting adhered to the rod as both pass backthrough the rod chuck orifice while the fitting chuck tilts back to itsinitial, vertical position, and the rod chuck's brakes are releasedallowing it to travel back towards the fitting chuck 1140 (in anembodiment, the rod chuck may nest inside the fitting chuck during theinactive phase of end fitting installation). In an embodiment, if thesensor indicates a sufficient rod depth into the end fitting andsufficient press force and/or chuck torque reached during installation,a screen display can note a successful installation and opens the safetylight curtain for another installation 1150.

In an embodiment, this procedure is duplicated to take placesimultaneously at both ends of the rod, allowing a sucker rod to befully assembled with two end fittings with the use of locating slotsaligned between to both tables, which minimizes the risk of failure dueto misalignment during the installation procedure. This proceduremechanically mimics the manual installation process as closely aspossible, but with far improved reliability and speed.

In another embodiment, the procedure is further automated with the useof an adhesive metering component prior to the placement of the endfitting into the fitting chuck; this allows for a consistent amount ofadhesive to be applied to each end fitting while minimizing waste andexcess adhesive escaping during installation and possibly damaging thecomponents of the system.

Turning now to FIG. 16, a perspective view of an embodiment of a system900 for carrying out the above installation methods is depicted. Shownis the rod table 901, including the linear bearing rails 902, and thechuck tables 910 and 920 mounted thereto. In this drawing, thecomponents are shown in the active position; the fitting chuck 911 isrotated horizontally to face the rod chuck 921 (which is obscured inthis view). The rod is not visible in this drawing for clarity, but theorifice 925 indicates where the rod would be extended through rod chuck921 to face the end fitting in fitting chuck 911. Sensor 924 is shownpositioned over the orifice 925 of the rod chuck 921.

The system can comprise multiple independent servo motors, both forpositioning the chuck tables 910 and 920 along the linear bearing rails902, and rotating the chucks themselves. The position of linear bearingservo motor 903 is indicated in this embodiment by its enclosure; themotor itself is not visible. Fitting chuck motor is also not visible,but in this embodiment is enclosed within the chuck table 910 drivingfitting chuck 911. It should be noted that while rod chuck 921 may alsohave a motor, the rod chuck 921 is not required to rotate during theinstallation procedure, and thus the motor may be omitted, or a simplerclamping device may be substituted for a chuck in other embodiments. Inan embodiment, the two chuck tables 910 and 920 are connected via an aircylinder 919, although any means suitable for pushing and pulling thetables towards each other may be within the scope of this disclosure(e.g., hydraulic cylinders, linear actuators, etc.). Tilt motors 915(only one visible in each of FIGS. 16-17) can tilt the fitting chuck 911about axis 916 between a vertical position facing up, and a horizontalposition facing the rod chuck 921.

Also depicted is the safety light curtain which, is not directlyvisible, but can activate detection beams between the top 931 of theapparatus and the surface 932, allowing for an emergency shutdown shouldthe work envelope be breached during operation, and the display screen940, which informs the operator of the job status.

Turning now to FIG. 17, a side view of the above embodiment (from theopposite side of the perspective view in FIG. 16) is shown with theoverhang omitted for clarity. In this view the rod chuck 921 can moreclearly be seen, as well as many of the components previously shown inFIG. 16.

Turning now to FIGS. 18A-18C, front and rear views of two embodiments oflocating stands 950 with locating slots 951 are shown. The embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 18A-18B utilizes a clover-shaped locator 952 withinternal cams (not shown) and a sensor 953 capable of detecting contactbetween the internal cams and the rod. The internal cams permit a singlelocating stand 950 or plurality of locating stands to accommodate rodsof multiple diameters without requiring any equipment changes. Thesensor 953 can use the positions of the cams to detect a mismatchbetween the rod diameter according to the program and the rod diameteras measured by the travel of the internal cams, allowing for shutdownand operator intervention before possibly damaging the rod. Theembodiment depicted in FIG. 18C can utilize rotatable paddles 954 andsensors (not visible in this embodiment) which extend upwards when therod is rolled into place to prevent movement. Other variations may beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, e.g., locating standswhich automatically roll rods on and off as fitted.

In an embodiment, depicted in FIG. 19, these stands 950 can be arrangedextending outward from the fitting systems 900 allowing for a rod to bepositioned therein. In the embodiment where the procedure issimultaneously carried out on both ends of the rods, these stands may beduplicated throughout the distance between the two install systems,although they will also be present in a single-install system in varyingamounts depending on the length of the rod needing support. In anembodiment, the stands 950 may be a mixture of the cam types shown inFIGS. 18A-18B, the paddle types in FIG. 18C, or other configurations,including “dummy” configurations with simply a slot and no reinforcingmechanisms.

A sucker rod string usable within the scope of the present disclosurecan be manufactured and/or assembled by providing an end fitting, suchas any of the embodied end fittings described above, or an end fittinghaving another usable configuration (e.g., any configuration ofcomponents/dimensions that will provide the closed end of the endfitting with a greater compressive force than the open end), intoassociation with a sucker rod segment. Positioning an end of a fibercomposite rod into the cavity of the end fitting creates a void betweenthe fiber composite rod and the wedge portions of the end fitting.Thereafter, an epoxy can be injected into the void to bond with thefiber composite rod and to fixedly engage the wedge portions of the endfitting, for securing the end fitting to the fiber composite rod. Thisarrangement causes the stress to increase the elastic limit withoutpermanent alteration of the fiber composite rod and epoxy combination inthe cavity of the end fitting. The compressive forces on each surfaceresulting from reciprocation of the sucker rod string can increasetoward the closed end of the end fitting and decrease toward the openend. The compressive force on each surface (e.g., the leading ortrailing edge) can be proportional to the length thereof. While thepresent disclosure has been described with emphasis on certainembodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of theappended claims, the present systems and methods could be practicedother than as specifically described herein. Thus, additional advantagesand modification will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thedisclosure in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to thespecific details, representative apparatus, methods, and theillustrative examples shown and described herein. Accordingly, thedepartures may be made from the details without departing from thespirit or scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for installing an end fitting onto asucker rod comprising: aligning an end of a sucker rod with a firstchuck positioned on a surface by positioning the sucker rod within atleast one locating slot; placing an end fitting containing adhesive intoa second chuck positioned on the surface, with the open end of the endfitting facing out; engaging the second chuck with the end fitting;moving the first chuck and the second chuck along the surface towardsthe sucker rod, such that the rod passes through an orifice into thefirst chuck; engaging the first chuck with the sucker rod and fixing theposition of the first chuck relative to the surface; rotating the secondchuck and the end fitting engaged therein as the open end of the endfitting approaches the sucker rod; moving the second chuck along thesurface towards the first chuck, such that the end fitting is placedover an end of the sucker rod while rotating, until the end fittingreaches a predetermined position; disengaging the first and secondchucks; and moving the first chuck and second chuck along the surfaceaway from the rod, leaving the end fitting adhered thereon.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the step of moving the first chuck and thesecond chuck along the surface towards the rod further comprises movingthe first chuck and the second chuck along at least one linear bearing.3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of engaging the sucker rodwith the first chuck and fixing the position of the first chuck furthercomprises engaging a braking mechanism to the at least one linearbearing.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of moving the secondchuck along the surface towards the first chuck further comprises movingthe second chuck along the linear bearing while the braking mechanism isengaged.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of moving the secondchuck along the surface towards the first chuck further comprisesactuating an air cylinder connecting the first chuck and the secondchuck.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of tiltingthe second chuck from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientationbetween the steps of placing the end fitting into the second chuck andmoving the second chuck along the surface towards the first chuck. 7.The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of tilting the secondchuck back to the vertical orientation after the step of moving thefirst chuck and second chuck along the surface away from the rod.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the step of engaging the first chuck to thesucker rod and braking the first chuck to a fixed position on thesurface further comprise sensing the position of the rod relative to thefirst chuck, comparing the position to a predetermined threshold, andengaging the first chuck to the sucker rod and braking the first chuckto a fixed position on the surface once the position of the rod reachesthe predetermined threshold.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the stepof moving the first chuck and the second chuck along the surface awayfrom the rod further comprises moving the first chuck farther than thesecond chuck, such that the first chuck is at least partially nestedwithin the second chuck.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprisingthe step of activating a safety light curtain prior to the step ofengaging a second chuck with the end fitting.
 11. The method of claim10, wherein the step of activating a safety light curtain prior to thestep of engaging a second chuck with the end fitting further comprisesdeactivating the chucks if the light curtain is crossed prior todisengagement of the first and second chucks.
 12. The method of claim11, further comprising the step of deactivating the safety light curtainsubsequent to the step of disengaging the first and second chucks. 13.The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of comparing sensordata indicating the position of the sucker rod, the torque of the chuck,the force applied to the end fitting, or combinations thereof, to apredetermined value.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the step ofdisengaging the first and second chucks further comprises disengagingthe first and second chucks upon the sensor data meeting thepredetermined value.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising thestep of displaying a successful installation notification upon thesensor data meeting a predetermined value.
 16. The method of claim 1,further comprising the step of pre-filling the end fitting with amechanically controlled quantity of adhesive prior to placing it in thesecond chuck.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of positioningthe sucker rod within at least one locating slot further comprisespositioning the sucker rod within a plurality of locating slots, alignedacross a plurality of locating stands.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the step of positioning the sucker rod within a plurality oflocating slots further comprises actuating cams within at least one ofthe locating slots to fix the rod in place.
 19. The method of claim 17,wherein the step of positioning the sucker rod within at least onelocating slot further comprises positioning a second end of the suckerrod above a second surface comprising a third and fourth chuck.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the end fitting installation steps areduplicated simultaneously at the end of the rod over the surface withthe first and second chuck, and at the second end of the rod over thesecond surface with the third and fourth chuck.